State At A Glance

August 10, 2007

CROMWELL -- First Selectman Paul Beaulieu and Selectman Myron Johnson, who are seeking re-election, are fending off charges that they intentionally avoided paying motor vehicle and personal property taxes. At the board of selectmen's monthly meeting, residents accused Beaulieu of skirting the town's motor vehicle tax by registering a second vehicle in Westbrook, where his wife lives, and which has a lower tax rate. They also attacked Johnson, owner of MP Johnson Construction, for allegedly not paying personal property taxes until this year.

ENFIELD -- A Windsor science teacher has been chosen as the new principal of Thomas Alcorn Elementary School. Lisa R. Bress most recently served as the science teacher leader for kindergarten through Grade 6 in the Windsor school system.

HARTFORD -- The Connecticut Working Families Party said it had collected the necessary signatures to secure its slate of city council candidates on the November ballot. The signatures still require certification by the registrar of voters. The party's three candidates are Luis Cotto, Larry Deutsch and Urania Petit.

NEW HARTFORD -- A lawsuit filed this week against the town's planning and zoning commission seeks to oust a Bakerville auto detailing business. The suit appeals a July decision to allow Auto Clean to remain in business at 1120 Litchfield Turnpike. In the 4-1 vote, the commission ruled that because at least one of the buildings on site previously had been used as a garage, Auto Clean didn't have to apply for a land-use special exception to remain in business.

WETHERSFIELD -- Friends of Animals is challenging the town's plan to offer horse-drawn carriage rides in historic Old Wethersfield. The Darien-based group urged the Wethersfield tourism commission and local and state officials to stop what it considers an ``exploitative and archaic practice.'' The town plans to use a $25,000 state grant to offer horse-and-buggy rides in the historic district beginning in the fall.

WINDSOR -- Joseph Arcarese, principal at Windsor High School, has accepted the position of principal at Plainfield High School. Arcarese, 56, of Waterford, cited family reasons and a desire to reduce his travel time as reasons for accepting the Plainfield job. ``I have agonized over this decision and believe in my heart that it was the right one,'' Arcarese said.